Jaylen Brown set to enter first Sixers season with ‘kill' mentality

Jaylen Brown set to enter first Sixers season with ‘kill' mentality originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

What has happened since July 1, the day the Sixers made the blockbuster move to acquire Jaylen Brown from their conference rival, Boston Celtics?

A lot of questions have been raised over the past two months about his relationship with the Celtics and, more importantly, his former teammate of nine seasons, six-time All-Star, Jayson Tatum. On August 6, Brown held his introductory press conference with the Sixers at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center in Philadelphia, where reporters asked if he and Tatum were still in touch.

“Not really,” he responded.

Despite the lack of communication between Brown and his former teammate, he’s doing his best to leave his former city on good terms.

Let’s fast forward earlier this week. Brown organized a single-day farewell block party – the 741 Frequency Fest – a free public thank you event and goodbye celebration for Boston fans after playing ten seasons with the Celtics.

Brown’s farewell party was also livestreamed on his FCHWPO Twitch channel, where he also streamed again once the event concluded.

Brown wasted no time diving right into his offseason with the Sixers.

“It’s been a great summer,” he said. “We’ve been working, don’t let it fool you, don’t let nothing fool you, we’ve been in the gym, we’ve been working. I know y’all seen some of the workouts and stuff like that.”

Yes, yes, we have Jaylen.

On Aug. 19, NBA trainer Chris Johnson posted an Instagram video that featured Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James working out together. The video has 10.8 million views — one of the most-viewed videos on Johnson’s page. 

During the stream, Brown disclosed that the workout took place in the “birthplace of The Bean,” referring to the late, great Kobe Bryant and the city of Philadelphia.

“We’ve been working, building chemistry with the guys,” he said. “Maxey is a dawg, LeBron is the f****** — don’t even need to say what LeBron is, he looks good, healthy.”

Aside from Brown working out with Maxey and James, he also gave a shoutout to the youngsters.

“Been working with the young guys. Labaron [Philon Jr.], VJ [Edgecombe]. Dogs. Even [Dominick] Barlow, [Adem] Bona, Anfernee [Simons]. I worked out with everyone on the team constantly.

“I’m grateful to the city of Philadelphia already and I ain’t even been there for that long. I’m grateful that they’ve just been a warm embrace.”

The season hasn’t even begun yet and it seems like Brown is already enjoying the City of Brotherly Love.

Brown then went on to express how he has been perceived, discussed and handled by those within the basketball world. Was he talking about the Celtics organization? USA Basketball? The media? He doesn’t say for sure and leaves it up to the viewers to interpret.

“For reasons I don’t need to share, I just feel like people don’t be understanding.”

“There is politics and so much stuff that goes on behind closed doors … It is what it is, but that just only motivates me even more to come out and show you who I am versus you trying to create these narratives and create these storylines because, in reality, you know what it is.”

But the narratives still linger about the type of person he is.

“And now they create these narratives that I’m saying ‘I’m the smartest person in the room’ or ‘I got a disease.’ Colin Cowherd, you know, to quote him, he said ‘it’s a disease’ or to quote one of his sources. Like these people is crazy, bro, and y’all got to see it.”

“These companies they be crazy. Corporations they be crazy, they be lying to us, they be putting stuff, propaganda out, putting out false statements, stuff that’s not even true. That’s why I started streaming in the first place. Because these industries be so corrupt bro, we force the hand. I want the chat to be able to see it, be able to stand up.”

If there’s one thing the Sixers are going to get from Brown, it’s intensity.

We saw a glimpse of that intensity between him and Embiid in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, when the Sixers overcame a 3-1 deficit to take the series at TD Garden.

“My mentality is kill … I feel like I want blood this year,” he said. “I feel like that’s the mentality, I want blood.”

As a Sixers fan, that’s a sentence that makes your mouth water. To have a player as driven as Brown makes all the difference for a team like the Sixers. This is a player who is already an NBA champion, Finals MVP and five-time NBA All-Star. For him to be this motivated going into his first season with Philadelphia is a scary sight.

Only 48 days until new-look Sixers take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, but who’s counting.

Colorado Avalanche Top 25 Under 25: #3 Mikhail Gulyayev

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - 2023/11/02: Avangard Hockey Club player, Mikhail Gulyayev (84) seen in action during the Kontinental Hockey League, regular season KHL 2023 - 2024 between SKA Saint Petersburg and Avangard Omsk at the Ice Sports Palace. (Final score; SKA Saint Petersburg 3:5 Avangard Omsk). (Photo by Maksim Konstantinov/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The Top 25 Under 25 is a collaboration by Mile High Hockey staff members. Seven writers have ranked players under the age of 25 in the Colorado Avalanche organization as of September 1, 2026. Now, we’ll count down each of the 25 players ranked.

Name: Mikhail Gulyayev

Age: 21

Position: D

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 172 lbs

Likely 2026-27 Team: Avangard Omsk

2025 Rank: #2

Final Rank: #3

High Rank: #2 (Jess)

Low Rank: #16 (Ryan)

2025-26 Statistics: 

Avangard Omsk – 54 GP, 1 G, 2A, 3 pts, 14 PIM, +3

Our top 25 under 25 is down to the top three players, starting with Mikhail Gulyayev at #3!

Gulyayev is entering his third season with Avangard Omsk of the KHL after inking an extension with the club that appears to push his potential NHL debut back to the 2028-29 season.

Guylyayev broke into the KHL at just 18 years of age, still ranks among our most promising Avalanche prospects, and his experience in Russia’s pro league seems like quality training grounds. Still, as always, the question is when or if he will jump the pond and come to North America.

At his size and given Omsk’s commitment after a slightly underwhelming 2025-26 campaign, it’s probably best to see out the contract and continue the road to the NHL through European channels.

I do believe that Gulyayev will graduate to the NHL one day, and for me, it’s more likely he won’t spend much (if any) time with the Eagles in the AHL if or when he decides to make the trip. That said, another year or two with Omsk will hopefully boost the young man’s confidence and make the Avalanche front office more comfortable offering his ELC.

The Avalanche do have exclusive rights to Mikhail’s services after drafting him 31st overall in 2023 with a pick received in the process of trading Alex Newhook to the Montreal Canadiens.

As for Gulyayev’s style, it’s all about speed. Here’s a quote from Elite Prospects on Gulyayev that I think adequately describes my take:

“Man, can Mikhail Gulyayev fly out there. You give him an inch, and he’s sprinted a mile past you with about as effortless and clean a stride as you’ve ever seen…”

We always say that elite skating ability is among the hardest skills to develop, and one of those have-it-or-you-don’t sort of attributes. Mikhail is also effective at gap control and attentive to protecting the middle of the ice, thanks to his skating ability.

His skating prowess allows him to be a bit more aggressive and crafty than most big-bodied defenders. His savvy defensive play is the foundation for looking beyond his smaller frame, and we see the NHL trending toward sacrificing size for puck-control capabilities.

We’ve also seen a level of creativity that should have Avalanche fans excited. Just look at this tape-to-tape pass that created a break for Omsk.

I do, however, hope we see Gulyayev take a considerable leap in physical engagement this season. The ‘he’s too small and non-physical’ take is one I usually poke holes in, but in this instance, it’s likely valid.

It’s not that Gulyayev’s lack of size shows in him being maltreated, but more in his choices to avoid physicality in general.

To make it in the NHL as an undersized defender, you have to, at a minimum, be willing to stick your nose in there once in a while, and developing mental callousness before being run down by the world’s largest and fastest forwards is a good idea. I’d also like to see a point shot from Gulyayev that has eyes and the power to be dangerous.

Let us know what you think of this prospect in the comments!

2026 Top 25 Under 25

#25 Nikita Novosyolov

#24 Axel Eloffson

#23 Teddy Lechner

#22 Ivan Yunin

#21 Luka Cloutier

#20 Matthew DiMarsico

#19 Shawn Carrier

#18 Domenick Fensore

#17 Tory Pitner

#16 Jake Fisher

#15 Beckett Hamilton

#14 Linus Funck

#13 Alex Gagne

#12 Egor Shilov

#11 Zach L’Heureux

#10 Fabian Lysell

#9 Sean Behrens

#8 Nikita Prishchepov

#7 Francesco Dell’Elce

#6 TJ Hughes

#5 Christian Humphreys

#4 Fedor Svechkov

Astros Announce Minor League Players of the Month for August

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 22: Houston Astros first-round draft pick Logan Hughes poses for a portrait session after signing his contract at Daikin Park on July 22, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images) | Getty Images

 The Houston Astros player development department has named IF/OF Logan Hughes the Astros Player of the Month for August and RHP Alex Santos II the Astros Pitcher of the Month for August.

Hughes, 21, batted .343 (24×70) with 17 runs, eight doubles, one triple, three home runs, 25 RBI, 12 walks, eight stolen bases and a 1.073 OPS in August with Single A Fayetteville. The left-handed hitter has a hit in every minor league game he’s played in since being activated by Single A Fayetteville on August 7 for a 19-game hitting streak. Hughes was drafted by the Astros with the 17th overall pick of the 2026 MLB Draft from Texas Tech University. According to MLB.com, Hughes is rated as the Astros number three overall prospect.

Santos, 24, went 1-0 with a 0.68 ERA (1ER/13.1IP) in August between Double A Corpus Christi (six appearances) and Triple A Sugar Land (four appearances). He also recorded 24 strikeouts, a 1.28 WHIP and a .204 opponent batting average in 10 relief appearances. For the minor league season, Santos has recorded a 3.15 ERA (21ER/60IP) with 93 strikeouts, a 1.38 WHIP and a .216 opponent batting average in 44 relief appearances. The right-handed pitcher was drafted by the Astros with their second-round compensation pick (#72 overall) in the 2020 MLB Draft.

April Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Brandon McPherson

May Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Kellan Oakes

June Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Javier Perez

July Astros Pitcher of the Month: RHP Bryce Mayer

April Astros Player of the Month: C Jason Schiavone

May Astros Player of the Month: C Jason Schiavone

June Astros Player of the Month: OF Drew Brutcher

July Astros Player of the Month: IF Waner Luciano

Brad Marchand Trolls Tim Stutzle Over Ottawa Captaincy Question On Instagram

We’re still a couple weeks away from seeing the Florida Panthers on the ice for training camp in Fort Lauderdale.

Fortunately, one of the Panthers more prominent players is doing his part to keep us entertained in the meantime.

Last week, Instagram account “puckempire” posted about the Ottawa Senators being close to choosing their next captain following the trade of Brady Tkachuk to Florida.

In the post, they list three players as the potential options to wear the “C” for the Sens.

They are defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, and forward Tim Stutzle.

All three seem like reasonable choices.

Chabot is 29 and has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Senators.

Sanderson and Stutzle are both 24 and have 750 NHL games between them, also all with Ottawa.

Each of them were selected in the first round by the Senators. Chabot was selected 18th overall in 2015, while Stutzle was the third overall pick in 2020 and Sanderson went fifth that same year. 

Stutzle has led the Sens in scoring three of the past four seasons, including last year when he racked up a team-high 34 goals and 83 points.

While it would appear that the young Stutzle has a strong case to be Ottawa’s captain, Panthers veteran Brad Marchand apparently does not agree.

On Tuesday, Marchand left a comment on the post, which simply said, “Hahahah …..stutzle….hahaha.”

Puck Empire �� on InstagramPuck Empire 👑 on InstagramI guess we know who DOESN'T have Brad Marchand's vote for the Ottawa S...

The two have been divisional opponents since Stutzle came into the league during the 2020-21 season, but there haven’t been any memorable interactions between them or anything that has led to penalties or suspensions.

Still, this provides a little more fuel to the fire of the rivalry between Florida and Ottawa, which in recent years has often led to some physically entertaining matchups.

We won’t have to wait long to see the Cats and Sens lock horns, as the first meeting between the two clubs is set for Oct. 21 in Ottawa.

LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS - FLORIDA

Finnish Linemates Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen Poised For Potential Breakout Seasons

How Important Will Akira Schmid Be To The Florida Panthers?

Red Wings Reportedly Engaged In Discussions With Panthers' Brett Peterson For GM Vacancy

Connor Hellebuyck Makes Trade Request Public, But Could Florida Panthers Explore Potential Deal

Four Former Florida Panthers Draft Picks To Watch During The 2026-27 NHL Season

Florida Panthers Will Have 15 Nationally Televised Games During The 2026-27 NHL Season

Photo caption: Oct 21, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Florida Panthers left wingBradMarchand(63)smiles as the final horn sounds in their 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-Imagn Images)

Tigers vs Twins Prediction, Picks & Odds for Today's MLB Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Detroit is a live underdog at Polymarket today, so we're riding with them as part of my Tigers vs. Twins prediction.

Yes, the Detroit Tigers are trading at 49 cents today, but should be able to get the best of Dean Kremer, a pitcher they've historically rocked.

Let’s dive into my MLB picks for Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Who will win Tigers vs Twins today: Detroit Tigers (49%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

The Detroit Tigers are in need of a bounce-back game after surrendering 26 runs across their first two against the Twins, and they may just get it with Dean Kremer on the mound for the Minnesota Twins.

Not only has he allowed a homer in three straight starts, but this Tigers team also seems to have his number, owning a .303 xBA and .510 xSLGacross 98 plate appearances against him. Now that's a sample size we can get behind.

On the other side, Drew Anderson has been serviceable this year in Detroit, owning a career-best 3.91 xERA and 34.1% chase rate. The Tigers are a live 'dog tonight, trading at 49 cents, and I'd play them up to 54.

Covers COVERS INTEL: Are we about to witness the Gleyber Torres game? He's got a long history against Kremer, going 10-for-31 with three doubles and a homer against him while rocking a .467 xSLG. If Detroit wins, he'll be at the center of the offense.

Tigers vs Twins Over/Under pick: Over 8.5 (53%)

The Over has hit in four straight Kremer startsand has cashed in five straight when the Tigers and Twins meet. Yes, the trends are on our side, and they likely won't stop tonight.

Expect Detroit to get the best of Kremer, with the Twins, who have the fifth-highest wRC+ in baseball, doing their part to get us over the line.

Tigers vs Twins home run prediction: Gleyber Torres (9%)

Torres has the deepest history against Kremer to draw from, and at 9 cents, we'll take that type of value to the bank. Owning a respectable .714 OPS in August with a homer already against the righty, we're going to ride with him to take his old friend over the wall. He's undoubtedly the best bang for your buck on the board.

Dustin Saracini's 2026 Transparency Record
  • ML/RL bets: 7-9, -0.99 units
  • Over/Under bets: 7-8, -1.55 units

Tigers vs Twins market trends

Here is how the trading volume is coming in on tonight's Tigers vs. Twins matchup at Polymarket, with a slight lean to the visitors as of 5:25 p.m. ET.

Tigers vs Twins weather

It looks to be a perfect night for baseball in Minnesota at Target Field, with temperatures sitting around 77 degrees Fahrenheit under partly cloudy skies.

Tigers vs Twins odds

  • Moneyline: Tigers 49% | Twins 52%
  • Run line: Tigers -1.5 (38%) | Twins +1.5 (63%)
  • Over/Under: Over 8.5 (52%) | Under 8.5 (49%)

Tigers vs Twins trend

The Over is 3-0-1 in the Twins' last four when their opponent scores two runs or less in their previous game. Find more MLB betting trends for Tigers vs. Twins.

How to watch Tigers vs Twins and game info

LocationTarget Field, Minneapolis, MN
DateWednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
First pitch7:40 p.m. ET
TVDSN, Twins.TV
Tigers starting pitcherDrew Anderson
(4-5, 3.87 ERA)
Twins starting pitcherDean Kremer
(2-5, 5.60 ERA)

Tigers vs Twins latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Giants fan surveys: Will Barry Bonds ever make the Hall of Fame?

Barry Bonds hugging Jeff Kent at a ceremony.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 29: Jeff Kent interacts with Barry Bonds prior to game two of a doubleheader the game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Saturday, August 29, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Bryan Kennedy/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Giants fans and fans across the country.

It’s been an awful season for the San Francisco Giants, but there have been a lot of opportunities to reminisce. In July, the team drafted Peyton Bonds. A few weeks later, they traded for Kaeden Kent. Earlier this week, they signed Darren Baker.

And of course, in late July, Jeff Kent was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Giants honored Kent, the five-time All-Star and 2000 league MVP, with a ceremony on Saturday. And while addressing the crowd, a notably softened and more family-friendly Kent embraced his former frenemy Barry Bonds, and commented on how Bonds could still get into the Hall of Fame some day.

It is, of course, absurd that Bonds is not in the Hall, and for now his pathways are closed. But pathways can always change, especially for such an arbitrary institution.

So, be it in a year, a decade, or a century, will MLB’s home run leader make his way to Cooperstown some day?


Noah Clowney comes close to NBA ID Award

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 21: Ja'Kobe Walter #14 of the Toronto Raptors dunks the ball against Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Barclays Center on December 21, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Noah Clowney and the Brooklyn Nets surely have greater ambitions than winning social media, fan-voted awards, especially on the cusp of a new season. However, it still would’ve been nice to do so.

This week, the NBA announced the winners for its 2026 NBA ID Fan Favorites, which fans vote on across the NBA App, its website and social handles to determine the best moments from the 2025-26 season. The awards up for grabs were Dunk of the Year, Photo of the Year, Assist of the Year, Block of the Year, Handle of the Year, Performance of the Year, Clutch Play of the Year and Drip of the Year.

Clowney was one of six finalists for Block of the Year with this rejection he had on Ja’Kobe Walter in a late December game last season. Clowney finished that contest with 19 points, nine boards, two assists, and two blocks. He was also a team-high +28 in what was Brooklyn’s eight win of the season.

However, the Block of the Year nod went to Luke Kornet for his pivotal rejection in the Western Conference Finals vs the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Clowney was the only Net nominated for an NBA ID award this year. The last time a Brooklyn player received a nomination and won one came after the 2022-23 season, when Kevin Durant has his double crossover on Daniel Gafford celebrated as the Handle of the Year.

Clowney will surely be on the prowl for more suffocating rejections in the upcoming season, motivated by falling short for this award … and his expiring rookie contract. I’ll go out on a limb and say the latter is probably more compelling than the former.

Maro Itoje ready to ‘come back better’ for England after taking mini sabbatical

  • Itoje rested for Nations Championship games in July

  • Captain has had a rare full pre-season with Saracens

Maro Itoje says it felt “very weird” watching England play from afar this summer but he believes more top players should consider taking a break to prolong their careers. The British & Irish Lions captain was rested for his country’s three Nations Championship games in July and is now feeling the benefits of “taking a breath” after an intense year on and off the field.

In addition to the burden of leadership for club and country, Itoje also lost his mother last year and, with the 2027 World Cup looming, the national coach, Steve Borthwick, offered his captain the chance of a mini-sabbatical. He has emerged fit, healthy and mentally rested for the season ahead having enjoyed his first full club pre-season at Saracens since 2014.

Continue reading...

Red Sox Minor Lines: Mikey Romero goes 4-4

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Mikey Romero #72 of the Boston Red Sox takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Worcester: W, 9-1 (BOX SCORE)

With a depleted pitching staff, the WooSox needed an extremely effective outing out of Gage Ziehl and they got it, as Ziehl pitched into the seventh allowing just one run on four hits and didn’t walk anyone. He got those twenty outs with just 73 pitches, and Noah Song and Sam McWilliams kept Buffalo (Blue Jays AAA) off the board. The WooSox were in a pretty close game even with that outstanding Ziehl start until they scored three each in the seventh and ninth innings and turned this one into a laugher.

The bottom four slots of the lineup went 0-for-14, but it didn’t matter because the top four each had multiple hits. Romy Gonzalez hit a home run and Mikey Romero went 4-for-4 with a double. At this point, four years after the infielder went in the first round and a couple short days after some returning players on this year’s Red Sox roster shared a lineup card with Romero, it seems easier to point out reasons why Romero wouldn’t fit organizationally in 2027 and beyond than reasons why he would, but he may at least play a part in a good return in the offseason (or after the lockout) if the front office feels the same way. With Romero being just 22 years of age until January 12, it’s possible other front offices – like the one employing the man who drafted him – may feel the same. Still, there’s something to be said for a resilient infielder who hits to contact and is as good as he is running the bases. Whether that something to be said is ever spoken with a promotion remains to be seen.

Portland: L, 6-4 (BOX SCORE)

Noah Rogers did what most would describe as “shoving” as he also pitched over five innings and struck out seven, though he did give up three runs. Cooper Adams allowed that same amount over the last eight outs, though, and that sixth inning where the guard changed was where the BaySox (Orioles AA) scored five of their six runs. Ultimately, strikeouts did the Sea Dogs in, as they saw strike three 15 times on the night.

Greenville: W, 13-11 (BOX SCORE)

Greenville has now given up eleven runs in each of their last three games and has won two of those games. This includes the opener of the final series of 2026 against the Hot Rods (Rays High-A.) Brady Tygart may have let up seven runs, but he also struck out ten and stayed in the game long enough for a four-run top of the ninth.

This game was bookended by great home runs; Jake Schaffner made this a 5-1 game in the second inning with his first professional home run (he’s not much of a power guy and is more known for contact, so this is a big deal) and Yophery Rodriguez completed a 3-for-4 day with a three-run shot in the top of the ninth. Nazzan Zanetello hit his second home run of the week just for good measure.

Salem: L, 7-8 (F/10) (BOX SCORE)

The day of the Howlers’ trek from Hill City (Guardians A, and “the Hill City” in question is Lynchburg, Virginia, not, to my dismay, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, a truly hilly city deserving of the moniker) ended with the RidgeYaks walking them off and turning a coin flip game into a win in two at-bats. Andrews Opata scored from second on a single, doing what he does best, as he also stole his 54th base of the season earlier on in the contest. Adonys Guzman, the walk-off hero, continues to see the ball very well lately. And, most importantly, the whole team saw the ball well with men on, going 6-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres – Brandon Williamson vs. Casey Mize

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 29: Brandon Williamson #55 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park on April 29, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Brandon Williamson returns to the mound for the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday to start the series finale against the San Diego Padres. In doing so, he’ll make his first appearance in the big leagues since all the way back on April 29th as a shoulder issue shelved him for the bulk of the 2026 season.

That, of course, is after he missed all of the 2025 season following Tommy John surgery. That is on top of him making only 3 appearances during the 2024 season, as injury after injury has set him back at just about every turn.

How he finishes this season will go a long, long way towards the Cincinnati Reds being able to plan for their 2027 starting rotation. To be quite honest, they pretty desperately need Williamson to be a dependable, available option, and it sure seems like he’s going to get the chance to show that’s what he can be down the stretch.

First pitch is slated for an early 12:40 PM ET start. Here’s how both clubs will line up for first pitch:

Today’s Lineups

PADRESREDS
Fernando Tatis – 2BHector Rodriguez – RF
Samad Taylor – LFElly De La Cruz – DH
Jackson Merrill – CFSal Stewart – 1B
Ty France – 1BJJ Bleday – LF
Xander Bogaerts – SSTyler Stephenson – C
Ethan Salas – CDane Myers – CF
Austin Hays – RFJuan Brito – 2B
Luis Campusano – DHMatt McLain – SS
Jake Cronenworth – 3BEdwin Arroyo – 3B
Casey Mize – RHPB. Williamson – LHP

About Last Night: Dark side of the debut

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JULY 04: Hoby Milner #41 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on July 04, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Lázaro Montes’ debut last night got the lion’s share of the attention, but we would be remiss if we did not dedicate some time to another Mariners debut on Tuesday evening: Journeyman lefty Hoby Milner.

In the bottom of the ninth with a five-run lead, Dan Wilson turned to his newest toy in the bullpen. The M’s had signed Milner to a minor league deal on August 31, shortly after the Cubs released him, and brought him up with the expanded rosters on September 1.

Roman Anthony, a lefty, at the plate. Hoby serves up his first pitch as a Mariner: an 85 MPH sinker, hold the sink. Anthony lines it to center for a single.

Jahmai Jones replaces lefty Mickey Gasper, takes a sweeping 77 MPH pitch well outside and scoops an 86 MPH sinker, tasteful sink, way over the Green Monster.

He’s thrown three pitches, given up two runs and cannot be pulled because he has to face a third hitter. He blinks grimly at Eli White and digs in. 78 MPH sweeper a country mile wide. 77 MPH down the pipe; White politely stands still. 79 MPH outside and low this time. At Bat identifies it as a changeup, and I’ll let you do with that what you will. 80 MPH change outside middle; White’s politeness gone, he shoots to kill. Hoby survives, but Wilson steps onto the field. Andrés Muñoz arrives and cleans up the mess with four pitches. No dance for Hoby tonight. It is an inauspicious start for a pitcher who was in talks with Seattle during the off-season. The comments rain down, but you sillies, you waste your words.

You think you can hurt Hoby?

Hoby has been saddled with a David Hasellhoff-inspired name all this life.

Hoby grew up with the fragility of baseball dreams woven into his childhood. His father, Brian, made his big league debut at age 18, played two games and never returned to the majors.

Hoby was a multiway player throughout college until he took a fastball to the eye.

Hoby named his cat Darth Kittypuss because he wanted to make a play on Darth Sidious.

Hoby has raced through the streets in a stranger’s car as his organ failed.

Hoby is on his seventh team in nine seasons, zigzagging across the country and toiling intermittently in the minors for years.

Hoby survived Anaheim in 2020.

Hoby’s overhead pictures depict a shadow that looks closer to kokopelli than a human man pitching.

Hoby has never known a velocity beginning with 9.

You cannot hurt Hoby. Only Hoby can hurt Hoby. And he knows it could always be worse. He’s a perfect Mariner.

Ben Jacobs is finishing the season strong in West Michigan

Left-handed pitching prospect Ben Jacobs was the Detroit Tigers third round pick in the 2025 amateur draft out of Arizona State University. We liked the pick at the time for his fastball shape, strike throwing, and his developing bag of secondary pitches, but there was also a bet placed on his physical projection. With refined mechanics and plenty of good muscle added in his first year of pro ball, Jacobs has already laid all concerns to rest. The draft of Cameron Flukey in the first round of the 2026 draft gives him some competition in terms of top pitching prospect in the system, but Jacobs is certainly high on the list, with a chance to break into national top 100 rankings in 2027.

In our preseason scouting report, we talked about Jacobs’ crossfire delivery, and suggested the Tigers would try to get him moving more directly down the mound to home plate, rather than the closed stride and rotation required to get back on target that was prominent in his college work. Jacobs was basically pitching out of the stretch, so it certainly wasn’t an elaborate move to the plate, but the big crossfire move was squandering energy and forcing him to compensate a lot to locate back on target, especially to his glove side.

As Jacobs told David Laurila of FanGraphs recently, he’s made short work of that requirement. By adding a rock step back toward third base with his lead leg to get him moving into his delivery rather than driving to the plate from a full stop, they improved his rhythm and repeatability and cleaned up his stride direction at the same time. That more direct move has given him more extension to the plate as well, though it only got him to a roughly average level. The delivery adjustments, along with putting on a reported 10 pounds of lean muscle since draft day, have him throwing a consistent 94 mph velocity now, with a little extra in the tank.

The changes to Jacobs’ delivery haven’t just gotten him throwing harder. Because he’s getting further down the mound with his lead leg, he’s throwing from a lower point, giving him a flatter angle to the top of the zone. With around 19 inches of induced vertical break on his heater, those two elements are helping him miss a ton of bats with fastballs along the top of the zone. His command took time to come around after making these changes, and his walk rate was a little high, but he powered right through Low-A Lakeland after just 16 2/3 innings of work in the spring.

Things were tougher in West Michigan. Jacobs was piling up a lot of strikeouts, but the walks spiked against more advanced hitters, and his were hit harder. His first 10 starts for the Whitecaps were a real mixed bag, but in late July and August everything started to come together for him. He started spotting his slider and splitter a little better, and still has a solid curveball to mix in as well. With the improved velocity, shape, and angle to the plate, Jacobs just needed to locate more consistently, and once he did, hitters have done very little against him.

Over his last five starts, covering 26 innings of work, Jacobs has only allowed two earned runs. He’s currently on a streak of three consecutive scoreless outings, and he’s punched out 33 hitters in that span. In his August 12th start against the Lansing Lugnuts, Jacobs did walk five batters in 4.2 innings of work, but he also didn’t allow a hit in that start and struck out seven on the night. In the other four outings on this five start run, he’s walked one batter three times, and two batters once. There’s still work to do in the consistency department, but no one is hitting him right now. He’s surrendered just 10 hits in those 26 innings. His 33.6 percent strikeout rate in the Midwest League is excellent, and this is his first year of pro ball. Jacobs just turned 22 years old back in June.

The improvements in his fastball and better command of it more recently is a big factor in this run, but the splitter is playing a major role as well, drawing a huge whiff rate just short of 50 percent. It doesn’t fall off the table like a classic splitter. Instead it has funky, late tailing action away from right-handers. That’s gotten it mis-identified as a changeup fairly regularly, but Jacobs set the record straight in the Laurila interview.

At this point the fourseamer and splitter are both flashing plus. A little more consistent velo and more importantly, better command of those two pitches will take him a long way. His slider and curveball are solid breaking pitches, and he’s showing some good signs of spotting them for strikes and breaking off slightly sharper versions to get hitters chasing. More often, at least until recently, his command of both has been a little hit or miss.

If hia trendline continues in terms of commanding the whole package and building himself up, Jacobs looks like a future quality mid-rotation starter. If he falls a little short or doesn’t quite prove durable enough to be a full-time starter, he’s still got a nice future as a versatile lefty relief option. It’s been a very successful year for him, and at this point it’s comfortable to put a 45 grade on him, and real optimists may go higher. Jacobs will make one more start this week for a Whitecaps team fighting for its playoff life, which will get him over 90 innings on the year. He should be clear to stretch out to 120-130 innings next season starting at Double-A Erie.

If Jacobs can take the step up to Double-A Erie and throw something like 115-130 innings in 2027, lingering questions about durability, which follow every young pitcher through the A-ball levels, will dissipate. We can hope for a little sharper slider with more work, but at this point the four-pitch mix is already good enough if his command improves a little more. He’s on his way though, and has executed complicated sequences more and more over the past month. Instead of falling back on his fourseamer too much, he’s working backwards more with curveballs and sliders to start at-bats, and then expanding the zone up with his fastball and away from right-handers with the splitter once they’re behind in the count. Jacobs is a much more polished and dangerous pitcher than he was when the season began, and the Tigers have to be pretty thrilled with his progress in year one.

At this point only Cameron Flukey really stands out above Jacobs in the Tigers’ pecking order, and Flukey himself is just getting started. If things continue to go well there’s an outside chance Jacobs could reach Detroit next summer, but for now we’ll keep to a 2028 timetable.

Lone Star Ball Reacts Survey: The A.L. and the World Series

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 03: Corey Seager #5 of the Texas Rangers lifts the Commissioner's Trophy during the World Series Championship celebration at Globe Life Field on November 03, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rangers fans and fans across the country.

Good morning, folks, and welcome to the latest edition of Lone Star Ball Reacts.

We all want the Texas Rangers to advance to the World Series from the American League. However, odds are that won’t happen…not because the Rangers are inherently incapable of making the World Series, but because the natural of Major League Baseball, and their playoff structure in particular, is that for every team the odds are they won’t advance to the World Series. Given a choice between a particular team and the field, you’re always going to take the field.

So our question today is, if the Rangers aren’t the team to advance to the World Series from the American League this year, who do you want to see make it and face off against the National League champions?

Cast your vote below…


Warriors fan survey: How much longer will Steph Curry play?

Steph Curry running down the court.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a three-point shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Warriors fans and fans across the country.

Golden State Warriors fans have been blessed to get to watch Steph Curry play for 17 years now. It’s been one hell of a journey, filled with four championships, two MVP awards, and the most made threes in NBA history.

Thankfully for us, there’s no end in sight. Curry is preparing to lace up his sneakers for an 18th season, and is in talks with the Warriors regarding a contract extension.

On the one hand, he’s still one of the best players in the NBA, and clearly still has a love for the game. On the other hand, he’ll turn 39 during this upcoming season. So it’s no secret that he has more games behind him than ahead of him.

So, Dub Nation: how many more years will we get the gift of watching The Chef?


MLB Predictions and Moneyline Picks for Wednesday, Sept. 2

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

Happy Wednesday! We have baseball going on all day! 

Here are my MLB moneyline predictions for today's slate include backing a lot of pricey favorites, which include the New York Yankees.

Before we dive in, be sure to check out all of our MLB picks on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

MLB moneyline picks for September 2

For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.

MatchupPick
PadresPadres
vs
RedsReds
Padres
58%
BravesBraves
vs
NationalsNationals
Nationals
41%
AthleticsA's
vs
RangersRangers
Rangers
60%
OriolesOrioles
vs
RockiesRockies
Orioles
60%
PhilliesPhillies
vs
DiamondbacksDiamondbacks
Phillies
52%
MarinersMariners
vs
Red SoxRed Sox
Mariners
44%
MetsMets
vs
RaysRays
Rays
62%
GiantsGiants
vs
PiratesPirates
Pirates
58%
Blue JaysBlue Jays
vs
GuardiansGuardians
Guardians
46%
TigersTigers
vs
TwinsTwins
Twins
52%
MarlinsMarlins
vs
RoyalsRoyals
Royals
51%
BrewersBrewers
vs
CubsCubs
Cubs
41%
White SoxWhite Sox
vs
AstrosAstros
Astros
56%
YankeesYankees
vs
AngelsAngels
Yankees
60%
CardinalsCardinals
vs
DodgersDodgers
Cardinals
31%

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of 9-2.

Trade on the MLB at Polymarket!

Sign up now using our exclusive Polymarket promo code 'COVERS' (on your mobile app only) and get a $20 trading bonus after you deposit $10 to trade on any other event contracts — including MLB moneylines!

Sign Up Now at img src="https://img.covers.com/editorial/2026/polymarketlogo.png" alt="Polymarket" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"

*Eligible locations only

Expert MLB moneyline picks for September 2

Padres vs Reds: San Diego Padres 

Padres win probability: 58%

Reds southpaw Brandon Williamson makes his return since April 29. Prior to his injury, he sported a 6.11 ERA and 1.64 WHIP and was a hard fade every time he was listed as the starting pitcher for this writer.

On the other side, Casey Mize takes the mound this afternoon for the Friars and has been very solid over his last three starts, posting a 3.71 xERA and 1.17 WHIP.

The Cincinnati Reds' bats have come alive as of late, but with Williamson making his first start since the season's infancy, take the road favorites here.

Braves vs Nationals: Washington Nationals 

Nationals win probability: 41%

Statistically, the Braves are back in untrustworthy territory, sporting a sub-100 wRC+, .133 ISO and generating just a 6.2% barrel rate over their last six games. Over their last 21 games, they have been even more lifeless.

This afternoon, Grant Holmes is on the mound, carrying a 5.52 ERA and 1.50 WHIP while allowing a hard-hit rate over 51% in his last three starts.

This should be a great spot for a Nationals lineup that has been crushing the baseball over the last two weeks. Plus, Brad Lord is on the mound, and he has been extremely serviceable for the Nationals as of late.

Take the dog.

A's vs Rangers: Texas Rangers

Rangers win probability: 60%

Despite Athletics left-hander Jacob Lopez being lights-out over his last five starts, the Athletics' bats have gone cold. Meanwhile, the Rangers are on a heater offensively, consistently making hard contact while sporting a 124 wRC+, .350 wOBA and .795 OPS.

Cody Bradford has struggled in some of his recent starts, but he has held it down at home.

Orioles vs Rockies: Baltimore Orioles

Orioles win probability: 60%

Death. Taxes. Fade Tomoyuki Sugano.

Let's keep this short and sweet. You have other games to take a look at.

Rockies starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano enters Wednesday with a 12.75 ERA and 2.42 WHIP, while allowing a hard-hit rate above 45%. He has been a punching bag on the mound.

Take the birds.

Phillies vs Diamondbacks: Philadelphia Phillies 

Phillies win probability: 52%

Speaking of punching bags, Diamondbacks starter Jose Cabrera has posted a 6.75 ERA, 5.54 xERA and 1.58 WHIP over his last three starts. On the other side, Andrew Painter has been turning things around, posting a terrific expected ERA across his last five starts.

The Phillies as a whole are in the better spot today, with hotter bats and the better arm on the mound. Solid price for the Phillies today.

Mariners vs Red Sox: Seattle Mariners 

Mariners win probability: 44%

If they want to prove me wrong, fine. I will back them.

The Seattle Mariners have looked outstanding at the dish in Boston, racking up 17 runs over the first two games of the series. Now they draw Patrick Sandoval, who owns a 6.00 ERA, 5.28 xERA and 1.73 WHIP over his last three starts.

The southpaw does force a lot of strikeouts, and the Mariners do strike out a ton, but their bats are simply too hot to fade.

Mets vs Rays: Tampa Bay Rays 

Rays win probability: 62%

Real simple, the Mets own a 62 wRC+, .253 wOBA and .563 OPS over their last six games, while Rays right-hander Griffin Jax has a 1.55 xERA and 0.96 WHIP, giving up little to no hard contact or barrels over his last three starts.

Plus, Justin Hagenman is making his season debut, the hot Rays lineup should feast on his offerings.

Rays or nothing.

Giants vs Pirates: Pittsburgh Pirates 

Pirates win probability: 58%

After both teams scored two touchdowns last night, it is only right to assume we may have a dud on our hands this evening. However, the hometown team should get the job done once again with Bubba Chandler on the mound, who has looked great over his last few starts.

On the other side, Landen Roupp takes the bump with a 5.58 xERA and 1.44 WHIP over his last three starts. The Giants' bats have been heating up over the last few games, but with how poorly Roupp has pitched, the Pirates are my lean.

Blue Jays vs Guardians: Cleveland Guardians 

Guardians win probability: 46%

Let's chase the value. We are fading Dylan Cease and the ice-cold Blue Jays bats.

Over their last six games, the Guardians have posted a 115 wRC+, .336 wOBA and .764 OPS. This evening, Joey Cantillo takes the bump, owning a 2.78 ERA over his last five starts. He draws a Blue Jays lineup that has not been generating much hard contact or barrels for weeks.

Take the dog.

Tigers vs Twins: Minnesota Twins 

Twins win probability: 52%

28 wRC+, .210 wOBA, .448 OPS, .066 ISO.

Those are the numbers the Detroit Tigers have put up over their last six games.

Who cares how bad Dean Kremer has been over his last few outings? The Tigers are sleepwalking.

Twins or nothing.

Marlins vs Royals: Kansas City Royals

Royals win probability: 51%

Despite the Royals coming back down to earth after the heater they were on last week, they are still performing at a higher level than the Marlins. Miami has identical numbers over their last six and 12 games.

Right-hander Eury Pérez has been great, but Noah Cameron has been far better over his last five starts.

Back the home team.

Brewers vs Cubs: Chicago Cubs

Cubs win probability: 41%

“Bu-but Jacob Misiorowski is on the mound tonight.”

Okay?

The Cubs' bats have looked incredible over the last week, as they own an astounding 175 wRC+, .425 wOBA, .990 OPS and .311 ISO.

Cubs southpaw David Peterson does not give a lot of confidence, but with how well the Cubs are seeing the ball, they are worth a sprinkle.

White Sox vs Astros: Houston Astros 

Astros win probability: 56%

Fade Davis Martin.

The White Sox right-hander has not been able to stop a cold over his last five games, posting a sub-10.00 ERA and 1.63 WHIP while allowing a hard-hit rate above 46%.

Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski has been far more trustworthy, sporting a 3.67 ERA, 3.05 xERA and 1.11 WHIP over his last five.

Houston's lineup has gone cold, but Martin's weak arm should wake them up.

Yankees vs Angels: New York Yankees 

Yankees win probability: 60%

Little juicy for a moneyline price, but with Cam Schlittler on the bump and how well the Yankees have been hitting the ball as of late, they are worth paying the juice.

Plus, the Angels have a 71 wRC+, .271 wOBA, .575 OPS and .063 ISO over their last six games. Right-hander Reid Detmers has been very solid as of late, but trusting this lifeless lineup does not sound fun.

Cardinals vs Dodgers: St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals win probability: 31%

View this from a pure betting perspective, especially with how lifeless the Dodgers' lineup has been as of late.

Why would we pay that much juice for any team to win a regular-season game?

Plus, the Cardinals' bats have been pretty solid over the last week, making a ton of hard contact, far more than the Dodgers.

Ride with the dog.

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.